Fill Flash

Much like decided when to use a fill flash, the same three questions can be used to help determine if you should not use a fill flash.

• Is my subject in a shadow?
  
• Is there more light behind my subject than in front of it?
  
• Am I close enough for flash?

If the answer to these questions is "no" then fill flash is probably not a good choice for that particular image. There are also additional concerns for lighting situations that will preclude the use of fill flash.

Flash is a very intense white light. We've all seen those images where the flash has completely overexposed or washed out the color in a scene. Flash can destroy the light tone of a scene. If you want to capture the golden glow of leaves at sunset, fill flash should not be used. A better choice would be to use night photography basics to take advantage of a longer exposure to capture the light quality.

If your subject is a weaker light source than your flash, like a fire or hot coals, fill flash shouldn't be used. If you use fill flash with flames you will lose the definition and detail in the flames themselves. In situations such as these a reflector may be a better choice of additional light.